Commences sale for daily flights connecting Srinagar and Mumbai Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced the addition of Srinagar as the 20th destination to its expanding network. Starting 1st March 2024, the airline will operate daily flights between the financial capital – Mumbai and Paradise on Earth – Srinagar catering to the growing air travel demand between these two cities. This network expansion is a significant milestone as it marks the airline’s entry into the state of Jammu and Kashmir, strengthening its domestic presence in the northern part of the country. Travellers can book flights starting February 2, 2024, on Akasa Air’s website www.akasaair.com, Android and iOS app or through multiple leading OTAs. Srinagar, often called a ‘Paradise on Earth’, has witnessed a consistent increase in travel demand over the past years. The launch of operations on the route will cater to a blend of business and leisure travellers and will bolster connectivity, trade, and tourism in the region. With this launch, Akasa Air seamlessly connects Mumbai to 13 cities across India. Commenting on the announcement, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are thrilled to announce operations from Srinagar – our 20th destination in the network. Known for its picturesque mountains and enchanting valleys, Srinagar has witnessed an uptick in domestic and international tourism and our flight launch will further boost economic activity in the region. Akasa Air is in growth mode and has achieved a milestone of adding 20 destinations to our network in just 17 months of operations, becoming the fastest-growing airline in the history of Indian aviation.” Commenting on the launch, Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience officer, Akasa Air …

Adrift Kaya, the modern Japanese Izakaya at JW Marriott New Delhi, is thrilled to declare its inclusion on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Discovery list. This exciting recognition celebrates exceptional dining destinations around the globe and positions Adrift Kaya as a must-visit for discerning travelers and local food enthusiasts alike. ADRIFT Kaya is the brainchild of Mr. Sandeep Gupta, who, along with Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, added a gem to the culinary portfolio of JW Marriott New Delhi. Launched by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, Adrift Kaya embodies a decade-long love affair with the vibrant city of Tokyo. Chef Myers’ extensive travels across Japan and deep connection to its culinary heritage shine through in every dish. The menu showcases pristine ingredients, traditional techniques, and Chef Myers’ signature Californian influence, resulting in a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. Stepping into Adrift Kaya is akin to stepping onto the vibrant streets of Tokyo. Designed by the renowned Timothy Oulton Studio, the restaurant boasts a sumptuous yet relaxed ambiance. Authentic raw materials, state-of-the-art finishes, and meticulously crafted furniture combine to create a visually stunning and welcoming space. The fun-loving team at Adrift Kaya delivers unparalleled hospitality, ensuring every guest feels comfortable and cared for. Adrift Kaya’s bar boasts an extensive selection of sake and fine wines, curated to perfectly complement the culinary offerings. For cocktail aficionados, Jimmy Barrat, a leading figure in the global bar scene, has crafted a bespoke cocktail list that promises to tantalize the taste buds. Sharad Datta, General Manager of JW Marriott New Delhi, expressed his excitement about this prestigious achievement, stating, “We are truly honored to be featured on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list. This recognition is …

Asapian Hotels after making a successful entry in different states, now they are entering into Rajasthan market by opening the first property under the group Management Model. They are already present in 40 locations and have 35 fully operational properties on different working models for budget travelers. This newly owned property is a full-service hotel located in the heart of the city. With the addition of this new property, the group wants to increase its reach in the budget segment. They are targeting business and regular travelers. The hotel has 47 rooms spread across categories, each room is furnished with all the amenities, such as a safe box, television dishing out all the channels, etc. To cater to the MICE audience the property has the Avenue Banquet, which is designed in theatre style with a capacity of hosting 150 guests. The banquet hall is equipped to handle large gatherings and has state-of-the-art infrastructure. It is perfect for conducting corporate and social events. Apart from solo travelers, and families, the brand is heavily eyeing the wedding segment, corporate, and MICE. The first 24-hour air-conditioned restaurant Hive and Shack will serve multiple cuisines, chiefly North Indian, continental, Italian, Chinese, and also Rajasthani food. They will offer a round-the-clock menu with custom arrangements and a buffet layout for groups. Another attraction is Atmos Rooftop Lounge, the open-air rooftop lounge and bar that provides a city view and serves food with live music. Mr. Ankush Doda, Owner of Hotel Dodas Palace shares, “We are pleased to associate with Asapian Hotels, with this association we want to provide value for money to our guests, without hurting the environment. To boost the local economy, our focus …

Hospitality & Marketing Services, a leading sales and marketing company, is delighted to declare its strategic partnership with Sadda Pind, a Punjabi Culture Living Village Museum located in Amritsar, Punjab. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both organizations as they aim to redefine cultural hospitality and provide unparalleled experiences to locals and tourists alike. About H&M Services: Hospitality & Marketing Services, a privately owned full-service sales and marketing company, has emerged as a preferred partner for various businesses, including standalone ventures, hotel chains, spas, resorts, and many more. With a team of experts in travel, marketing, business development, and client servicing, H&M Services is committed to delivering success to its hospitality clients and partners by increasing business and ensuring a superior return on investment. Geeta Maheshwari, Owner at H&M Services, stated, “We are delighted to partner with Sadda Pind and bring this unique cultural experience to our existing and new customers. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality solutions and creating memorable moments for our clients.” Neeraj Gulati, Co-Founder from Sadda Pind added, “Sadda Pind is more than a destination; it’s a celebration of Punjab’s cultural richness. Partnering with H&M Services allows us to reach a broader audience and share the warmth and vibrancy of our culture with visitors from all walks of life.” The partnership between H&M Services and Sadda Pind aims to create a synergy that enhances the cultural and hospitality landscape in Amritsar. Together, they will offer day packages and stay packages, providing visitors with a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. Sadda Pind, spread across 12 acres of picturesque land, is a Punjabi Culture Living Village Museum that provides an authentic glimpse into Punjab’s …

Mr. Prakash Bedi, Vice President of Clarks Safari The budget sounded optimistic and growth-oriented. The doubling of FDI to 596 billion US dollars, is an encouraging sign for the whole economy. The main push in this interim budget is boosting tourism at the state level. The announcement of interest-free loans to the state for maintaining iconic tourist centers will witness more footfalls. We always believed that India needs more tourist spots, and monuments, to be branded and marketed. This budget addressed this need. The government showed will towards further developing rail and air infrastructure. Opening of 517 new routes carrying 1.3 crore passengers boosted domestic travel, and seeing the surge in demand the Indian carriers have placed orders for 1000 new aircraft. The focus on tourism is back, also with the opening of Ram Mandir, spiritual tourism is back in focus. Recently members of the Karak Clan from South Korea visited the temple and paid tributes to Lord Rama. This is a positive signal, in the coming days we can witness more international tourists from South East Asia visiting India for spiritual purposes. The surge of the Indian middle class will further boost domestic tourism.

M/s Akama Hotel Ltd. a hotel development and investment company based  in Nepal, today declare the signing of a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for a new hotel development under the midscale Ramada by Wyndham brand in Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu is the capital and most populous city of Nepal. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, a large valley in the high plateaus in central Nepal, at an altitude of 4,600 feet. It lies in a hilly region near the confluence of the Baghmati and Vishnumati rivers, at an elevation of 4,344 feet above sea level. The city was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal and hosts palaces, mansions and gardens built by the Nepali aristocracy. Nepal is the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. The city is home to several World Heritage Sites: The Durbar Square, Swayambhu Mahachaitya, Bouddha and Pashupatinath. Proposed hotel is situated just 3 kms from the Pashupatinath Temple a UNESCO world heritage site and 4.5 kms from the Tribhuvan International Airport and have great views of the Kathmandu Valley. Expected to open in 2024, Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarai will have a modern design 109 contemporary rooms and a host of amenities including a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant & bar, health club, spa, swimming pool, meeting room and a business center. Mr. Binaya Kumar Shrestha, Chairman, M/s Akama Hotel Ltd said, “We are pleased to partner with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which is the world largest hotel franchise company in the world and introduce the Ramada by Wyndham brand in the city of Kathmandu. We are working closely with team Wyndham to convert the hotel to …

JW Marriott New Delhi “Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with ADRIFT Kaya’s special dinner for two. Indulge in a three-course meal featuring delicious options such as yellowtail sashimi in hot ginger oil, chicken karaage with karashi mayo, and spicy salmon chirashi with black tobiko furikake. The menu is inspired by Chef David Myers’ love for Japan and features pristine quality produce carefully. Enjoy the sumptuous but relaxed surroundings designed by world-renowned Timothy Oulton Studio. End your meal on a sweet note at the Chocolate Room with assorted chocolates, chocolate fountain, and heart cake on center. Book your table now at ADRIFT Kaya for an unparalleled hospitality experience this Valentine’s Day”

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, has launched its second property in beautiful Sri Lanka, this move puts the chain well in place to enter into the luxury leisure segment and increase the brands international footprint further. Celestial Hills, a boutique luxury resort, is nestled in the picturesque city of Kandy, the resorts blending in seamlessly with nature, features 11 luxury private villas, each with their own private plunge pools, an outdoor shower and a large balcony all looking into Hatana and Knuckle mountain ranges. The resort also features a local cuisine restaurant, where guests can experience local flavors looking over some fabulous views. The spa, consists of 2 treatment rooms with a range of therapies that our guests can choose from. The pool, nestled in between the trees, is a perfect afternoon spot to relax. The visitors can explore Kandy, which is  a cultural jewel with UNESCO-listed sites, vibrant markets, and tranquil lakes and immerse in a cultural odyssey with the rhythmic beats of Kandyan drums and engagements with local artisans. Mr. Rahul Deb Banerjee, Vice President of The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, ‘Our strategy involves both national and international expansion. With our unique property in Sri Lanka, we aim to provide travellers with exceptional experiences. As the Sri Lankan government promotes tourism and domestic interest grows, we anticipate a surge in tourism. We are actively promoting Sri Lanka as our new international destination, offering Indian travellers our renowned hospitality globally.’

In conjunction with the state visit of the French President Emmanuel Macron to India, Akasa Air and CFM International today declare an agreement to purchase CFM LEAP-1B engines to power 150 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, the sale of which was announced last week. The agreement also includes spare engines and a services contract. The Mumbai-based operator launched its operations in August 2022 and had previously ordered a total of 76 LEAP-1B- powered 737-8 aircraft, of which 22 are currently in service. Mr. Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air said, “This significant, long-term agreement is a testament to the confidence that CFM International has in Akasa Air. Continuing to partner with CFM as our engine maintenance provider not only reaffirms our focus on operational reliability but equally underscores Akasa Air’s relentless pursuit of world-class safety.” “With CFM as our long-term engine maintenance provider, we remain confident in our path to becoming one of the top 30 leading airlines in the world, by the turn of this decade”, he added. This new order grows CFM’s footprint in India, with more than 400 CFM-powered aircraft in service and 2,500 LEAP engines in the backlog. Both CFM’s parent companies GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines have also significantly invested in India to build state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to LEAP production and maintenance, while signing strategic partnerships with Indian aerospace companies as part of the “Make in India” policy. Gaël Méheust, president & CEO of CFM International said, “Our customers, including Akasa, are seeing 15 to 20 percent better fuel efficiency with their LEAP-powered fleets and it has the highest reliability and daily utilization rates in this thrust class.” “Today’s order will continue to bring these benefits …

The Lalit has become the first hotel chain globally to have all its hotels accredited by International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s (IGTLA) program. This milestone reflects the group’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. DEI practices have been at the heart and helm of all endeavours at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. The group is one of the first hotel chains in India to have initiated conversations and curated safe spaces for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities across their hotels, restaurants and nightclub. The Lalit is often considered as a leader for the Corporate India as far as DEI initiatives go. There are more than 200 openly LGBTQIA+ team members in The Lalit’s workforce. The group has not only met, but exceeded the IGTLA framework of eight key criteria, namely diversity, equity, inclusivity, policy, community, advocacy, transparency, and sensitivity. Mr. Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Hotels stated, “Securing IGLTA accreditation goes beyond recognition; it underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a travel industry that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the freedom to explore without judgment. We’re dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, providing dignified livelihoods, and creating an environment where everyone is genuinely embraced for their authentic selves. This achievement not only fills us with pride as the first global hotel chain to attain it but also positions India as an inclusive nation, ready to elevate LGBTQIA+ tourism experiences.”